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Lots of Laughs with Ladybugs

Posted on
July 5, 2018 by
Bilingual Therapies

Look all around you and the world is filled with a lot of insects flying, buzzing, and crawling around. Most of the times kids are afraid of them, but there is one in particular that makes kids of all ages smile. The little lady bug has become a symbol of good luck. They are the perfect critter to embrace and have fun with during the warm summer months.

Snack Time Activity

Assuming there are no food allergies, a “snacktivity” is a fun option during the summer months. This creative snack will help to work on fine motor skills, social skill building, teamwork, and lots with speech and language. To make this edible ladybug, you will need a few items. These include toothpicks, paper plates, seedless red grapes or blueberries, whole strawberries, and mini chocolate chips.

Begin by giving everyone a few toothpicks in front of them. Put one of the red grapes or blueberries onto the toothpick until it is all the way to the top. Next, slide a strawberry up to the grape or blueberry. Be sure to have the thicker end of the berry toward the top of the toothpick. Now, to decorate the little lady, put the creation down and give her some dots. Use the mini chocolate chips and place them into the strawberry so the rounded edge is up.

Ladybugs in Literature

While everyone is eating their ladybug snack, take some time to read a story or two about these beloved beetles. Practice predicting what will happen next or sharing their experiences with ladybugs. Some books that may work well include:

Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons

Ladybug on the Move by Richard Fowler

Are You a Ladybug? by Judy Allen

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson

A Ladybug’s Life by John Himmelman

Look Out Ladybug by Jack Tickle

Ladybugs: Red, Fiery, and Bright by

Yoo-Hoo Ladybug! by Mem Fox

Therapists should talk about the books when finished and ready. Ask everyone about their favorite part. What would they have changed in the story if they were the author? Get creative and allow them to share their own ladybug story based on their own imaginary adventure.

Kids will love to make their own ladybug snacks at home. Send home instructions for families to create them together. Make sure to include translations for any multilingual families. You may also want to send home an additional craft for kids to make at home, like a ladybug self-portrait.